Hi friends! Happy Wednesday! I hope you've all had an incredible week! We are having gorgeous summer weather here in Saskatoon this week, so I have worked outside on my deck practically all week. How is it real life that my office is my deck?! I'm so grateful!

A couple weeks ago, you may have seen on our Facebook and Instagram pages that I formally introduced myself to all of our followers and I'm so grateful for all the love I got from those posts. I realized that not everyone is on social media so I thought I would introduce myself on the blog too. As an added bonus, I have included a couple other tidbits about myself in this post that you wouldn't have read on social media. 😊

So, hi! My name is Baillie Janex and I am the owner, fashion buyer, salesperson, shipper, accountant, marketing director, customer service representative, and public relations manager at Pretty Little Shoes. That's a lot of titles, isn't it?! 😉 Owning my own company has taught me a lot of things and brought such joy to my life. I love what I do but being a business owner is only one part of me so I thought I'd share some random facts so you could get to know me a little it better:-I am a night owl, definitely not an early bird. I work/ study until all hours of the night, then sleep in. Sometimes I feel guilty about doing that but hey, it's what works for me. -I only wear leggings and anyone who says leggings aren't pants cannot be my friend. 😉-Pre/post pregnancy and labor care are my passion so I'm studying to become a doula. I hope to educate women on alternatives available during pregnancy/ labor. -I strongly dislike slang and will never use the shortened version of 'Laugh Out Loud'. -I am a health and fitness freak! I eat clean and am love being active! I have ran 2-10kms, 3-1/2 marathons, and 1-full marathon. And I'm SUPER competitive with myself (sometimes that's a reallly bad thing!). -In a family of three children, I was the only one blessed with red hair. I used to hate it as a child because I was different but now I love it and understand it's one of the many things that make me special. 💛-Washing dishes is my least favourite household chore. Give me a broom to sweep the floors or supplies to clean the bathroom and I'm happy. Give me a dishrag and I will hate life for those twenty minutes of dishwashing.-I have a lot of giftings but being an artist is not one of them.-I won't eat grapes without washing them twice. Think of the germs left on them if you only wash once. 🙉-I rarely send a text, email, or message without using at least one emoji, or at least put in a smiley/ winky face. 😉

I could go on and on but I wouldn't want to bore you! I'd love to get to know you a little bit better so please share something completely random about you in the comments. 💛 Thanks for taking the time to getting to know me better!

Last week on Facebook I shared a little bit about myself including how I love to bake in my spare time. I got lots of comments and messages from people wanting my recipe for my Vegan Chocolate Truffles so I promised to share it on the blog. :)

These truffles are so amazing! They are a guilt free snack that are packed with healthy fats and some good old carbohydrates. They are sure to leave your sweet tooth satisfied! They are vegan, gluten free, and clean.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Snap a photo of you making my version of the truffles and post it on Instagram and hashtag #PLShoesRecipe. Enjoy! This recipe adapted from Minimalist Baker.

Vegan Chocolate Truffles

*****************************************************************

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pecans

1/2 cup almonds

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

10 medjool dates, pitted

1 cup dairy free chocolate chips

1 tsp coconut oil

1/4 cup cacao nibs and almonds/ pecans for topping

Directions

In a food processor, crush the pecans and almonds until they are the consistency of a meal; set them aside. Place pitted dates in the food processor and process until small bits remain and/or it forms into a ball. Add to the dates the cacao powder and 1/2 of the nut meal and pulse, gradually adding the nut meal until a dough is formed (you may not need to use all the nut meal, but you can keep it for the topping). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls (use either a tsp or tbsp for guidance). Place the truffles on the cookie sheet and place in the freezer to chill. While they are chilling, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted. Mix in the coconut oil. Grab the truffles from the freezer. With a fork, dip the truffle in the chocolate and thinly coat. Place back on the cookie sheet and garnish with cacao nibs and crushed nuts. Let the truffles set in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes. Can be stored in the freezer for long term storage. Enjoy!

Hi friends! Happy Wednesday! I hope you've had an amazing week! I have! We've had lots going on at home (more of that some other time), but I have gotten a tonne of work done, got some studying in, and maybe best of all, The Bachelorette premiered on Monday!!! It's really the little things in life that bring joy to my heart. :)

Anyways, because blogging, whether writing or reading has brought so much joy and entertainment to my life I thought I would share my favourite blogs that I read on a regular basis.

PaleOMG | Juli Bauer

Juli is so darn entertaining! Her blog includes just about every topic possible. Paleo and gluten free recipes, fitness, fashion, beauty, and travel. Juli also has a PaleOMG podcast which is what I listen to whenever I go on a road trip - did I mention she is entertaining?! She is hilarious but also completely authentic which she gets a lot of flack for. I highly recommend you check out her blog, podcast, and social media. She is awesome! Follow Juli on Facebook and Instagram.

Jillian Harris

I'm sure many of you know Jillian Harris and quite possibly even read her blog. She was on The Bachelor, then cast as the lead in season five of The Bachelorette. On top of her many other projects, she also runs a lifestyle blog. Vegan recipes, home renovations, fashion, life, and so much more. She recently also had a little baby boy, Leo who is so stinkin cute! She is just a genuine person and that's why I love to follow her. Follow Jillian on Facebook and Instagram.

Fed & Fit | Cassy Joy Garcia

I recently started checking out Miss Cassy Joy's blog and she is just the sweetest! Fed & Fit and PaleOMG have similar topics they cover but with two different women behind the blogs, the content is completely different. If you're ever in a bad mood, check Cassy Joy out on Instagram. Her peppy "GOOOOOOD MORNING" will definitely put a smile on your face. :) She also has a podcast which is next on my listen list. Follow Cassy Joy on Facebook and Instagram.

Elle & Company | Lauren Hooker

This blog is my new love. Lauren shares so much valuable content for business owners. I have referenced her blog so many times over the last few months - she is amazing! Plus, she also does a webinar every two weeks where she discusses different business development topics. I have learned so much from her! If you're a business owner, I highly recommend checking her own. Follow Lauren on Facebook & Instagram.

Auj Poj | Audrey Roloff

This blog is run by Audrey Roloff, who is a star on the TLC show 'Little People Big World'. I swear, someday I'm going to find out she is my long-lost sister (or, maybe that is a wish, haha!). Other than the obvious (being red-heads), we both are avid runners and barre lovers, God-driven women, and own our own businesses. Audrey shares blog posts about her life, especially, marriage and faith, as well as fashion, beauty, travel, and much more. She is also expecting a little baby so it's so fun reading her updates. Follow Audrey on Facebook and Instagram.

If I'm being honest, shoes are superficial. They aren't a need; they are a want. They make us feel pretty, but we could survive without them. For this reason I wanted Pretty Little Shoes to be much more than just a shoe company. Regardless if you're purchasing a pair of shoes or one of our fabulous accessories, please know that your purchase is making a positive impact in the world.

When you purchase a pair of shoes...

For every 150 pairs of shoes sold from Pretty Little Shoes, we will donate 1 pair of new shoes to The Princess Shop. The Princess Shop is a Saskatoon based organization which gives girls in need a special graduation experience as well as tools and mentorship to succeed after graduation.

Last year, Pretty Little Shoes donated $1100 worth of shoes to The Princess Shop! How amazing is that?! To read more about our collaboration, click here.

MudLOVE has a heart for charity and that's why they have partnered with Water for Good - a non-profit organization that drills water wells, and provides clean drinking water in the Central African Republic, a country that is desperate for the basic necessities of life. Every MudLOVE product you purchase provides 1 week of clean water to someone in need. So when you purchase a bracelet, you're not only going to look great but you will also be supporting a great cause!

What I love most about Grace & Lace, much like our collaboration with MudLOVE, is their commitment to charity. For every Grace & Lace purchase, a portion of the sales is donated to Angel House, an organization that builds homes for orphans in India. Once in an orphanage, the kids receive proper water, healthcare, and education that they otherwise wouldn't receive. In addition to building orphanages, Grace & Lace has funded safe houses for women to escape sex-trafficking.

Thank-you so much for supporting Pretty Little Shoes and subsequently these incredible charities. With your purchase, you are making the world a better place. <3

It's time to celebrate mom! Normally I'm a procrastinator when it comes to gift giving but this year I'm on top of it. Ok, I just got my mom's gift yesterday but that's still five whole days before Mother's Day - pretty impressive for me! ;)

If you're still struggling with what to give your mom, I've put together a Mother's Day Gift Guide that may just help. I love every one of these items and I know your mom would too!

1| All Natural Candle

This all natural soy candle from Pretty Clean is clean burning & has a wonderful subtle scent of lavender, pine, & spearmint. The woodwick crackles as it burns & it will last for about 40 hours! Pretty Clean also has amazing all natural cleaners that not only smell amazing but work really well! Follow Pretty Clean on Facebook and Instagram!

2| Pop Top Tumbler & Tea

The Pop Top tumbler from Steeped Tea is the best to-go cup that was ever created! It keeps your tea hot for 8 hours or, on the flip side, keeps ice frozen in the cup for 8 hours! It comes with an infuser to place loose leaf tea leaves in and the lid has a lock so you don't have to worry about spilling. Get your mom a yummy bag a tea to go along with the Pop Top and you are good to go! Follow Colleen Janex, Independent Steeped Tea Consultant on Facebook.

3| Customizable Locket

Honour the special Mom in your life with a customized locket from Annibelle Lockets!The Family Tree Locket is a modern twist to a traditional family ring & the lockets have magnetic closure so new birthstones can be added at anytime! Complete designs range in price from $30-$60, and you'll receive a preview prior to order finalization so you can ensure the locket is perfect! Follow Annibelle Lockets on Facebook and Instagram.

4| Heels

Pretty Little Shoes always make a great gift! We have lots of styles to choose from but are currently loving the Shaky-S heel in hot pink for Mother's Day. The color is stunning (everything is better in pink!), the lay of fabric on the foot is pretty, and they are practical as the heel is thicker and not too high. If your mom doesn't wear heels, we have lots of other shoes she will surely love. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Finally, happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Your sacrifice, patience, and most of all, love doesn't go without notice. Celebrate you today - because you deserve it!

Happy Wednesday friends! The sun is shining, the weather is great, prepping for a business trip to Edmonton/ Red Deer...life is good!

This week I'm sharing some life hacks related to shoes. What is a life hack? A life hack is a trick that makes your life easier or more efficient. Many life hacks will have you thinking, "That's so obvious - why haven't I been doing that?!"

1| Pool noodles in the shaft of a boot

If you're like me, you hate having the boots go all flip floppy. The purpose of this hack is to keep the boot standing straight up when you're not wearing them. I get my noodles from Dollarama for $1.25 each and depending of the length of the boot, I can usually get 2 pairs covered with one noodle. Another bonus with this hack: when the boots are standing straight up with a noodle, you are saving on space compared to the boots being flip floppy and taking more space.

2| Silica packs to dry out your phone

We've all heard that rice dries out your phone if it gets wet, but have you ever tried using the silica packs that come in your boxes of shoes?

3| Rough up the soles of your shoes

If your shoes are too slippery, find some concrete and scuff up the soles by dragging your foot on the ground. You could also use sandpaper instead of concrete. Joey could've used this hack at Chandler and Monica's wedding! ;)

4| Heel too high? No problem!

Most shoe repair shops can shorten the height of heels depending on the height of the heel and the platform.

5| Cleaning the rubber sole

If you need to clean a rubber sole or sneaker, use either rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Your shoes will look good as new!

6| Stuff stuff in your shoes when travelling

We could always use more space in our suitcase when traveling, and if you're anything like me about 1/2 the suitcase is full of shoes. To recover some space, put items in your shoes! If you're transporting breakables, put those in the shaft of boots (wrapped up of course!); if you're taking flats, put socks inside; if you're taking running shoes, put jewelry and sunglasses inside; if you're only taking sandals, stuff one sandal in the other.

7| Stretch your shoes

If you're shoes are a tad bit tight, put on some thick socks along with the shoes and use a blow dryer to stretch them.

8| Hairspray your feet

If you're feet pop out of your fave pair of heels or flats, put some hairspray on your feet, then put your shoes on. The hairspray acts as an adhesive so your feet won't go anywhere!

9| Sore feet?

After being on your feet all day they are sure to be tired and sore. Grab a tennis ball and roll it under your foot to release those tight muscles and give your foot a good, deep, massage.

10| Cold feet?

If your feet have a tendency to get cold, put a layer of wool in your shoe.

11| Teeny tiny calves in oversized boots

If you have small calves and have trouble finding boots that don't make it look like you're swimming, get a pair of our cute boot cuffs or socks and roll them over the opening of the boot at the top of the shaft. The fabric will make the boot tighter fitting and less sloppy.

Have you ever tried any of these life hacks before? Maybe you have another one to share. Share your life hacks in the comments below.

Our spring/ summer collection has been out for a week now, and ladies, you are loving it! This week, I'm highlighting our top 5 most popular items this season!

1| Nero-07 Bootie

I had no doubt when I brought these in they would be a hit! The soft suede, cute cut outs, gold accent toe, and gorgeous taupe color - simply stunning! Also available in black.

2| Reba-127D Sneaker

My current obsession. <3 These shoes are cute, comfy, and go with everything! Plus, they have the prettiest pattern on the inside. Also available in white.

3| Jim-S Heel

Everything is better in pink, am-I-right or am-I-right?? The way that the strap on this shoe accents the foot is so pretty - I can't wait to share with you some real life photos! These shoes are also made for optimal comfort, so you may just be able to run a marathon in them. :)

4| Tundra-39S Sandal

If you haven't tried these on, you need to! They have loads of padding for optimal comfort. They will be your summer go-to sandal!

5| Knot-1K Little Girls Sandal

The little ones love the bling too, that's what's making these cuties so popular.

Do you have a current fave? Comment below! Can't wait to hear from you!

Well hello there beautiful friends! I know I mentioned in last week's blog that this week's post will be tips and tricks to walk in heels but that's just going to have to wait - we have NEW shoes to talk about!

This collection is also a reflection of my personal style, which is fashionable and feminine. I am obsessed with the Reba-127D sneakers in black but also Amie-2 in mint, which features lots of dainty cut outs.

I did a Facebook Live showcasing all of our new items - have a watch! I'd love it if you'd comment below with your thoughts on this collection and what your favourite items are.

One common question I get asked is how did I come up with the name Pretty Little Shoes for my business. I'd like to say it was an easy decision but boy oh boy, it was not!

One of the first things you have to do when starting up a business is to create a name. Not only because it is the basis of your brand but in order to complete any paperwork that progresses the legal process of setting up your business, a name needs to be listed.

I felt a lot of pressure to have a really great business name but only had three days to think of one. Three very short days. Those days my family's supper conversation consisted of them throwing names at me. Either I thought it was decent and jot it down or I tossed it right out the window. We came up with SO many ideas, but nothing seemed just right.

During this period in my life I had a slight obsession with the television show Pretty Little Liars. It was the first show that I actually binge watched so I'm sure you can understand my deep emotional connection to it. :) Anyways, on that third day I was flipping through my Instagram feed hoping to gain some inspiration when I came across a post on Pretty Little Liars page. As you can see, it's not an incredible, inspirational, or motivating post, but as soon as I saw the name Pretty Little Liars, the name Pretty Little Shoes just popped into my mind and it stuck.

I didn't want a name that was similar to another business, that people would forget, or may get confused about what our product was. It had to be clear and concise. Likeable and memorable. Cute and feminine. I think Pretty Little Shoes encompasses all those qualities.

So there you go! That's how Pretty Little Shoes came to be. Next week I'll be giving you tips and tricks on how to walk in heels. Stay tuned for that!

I am beyond grateful for those who choose to support Pretty Little Shoes, whether it be following us on Facebook or Instagram, shopping with us, or hosting a party. In this week's blog, I'm sharing 11 reasons why you should shop with us (and the impact of your support).

1| You are supporting a small business

2| You're supporting our local economy

Supporting our local economy allows for job growth, development, and innovation. Think about this - when you pay sales tax on our items, the money goes back to the community, repairing our roads, supporting our schools, police, and other services.

4| You're giving back to the community

5| You're getting some of the cutest & fashion forward products

Every item we carry is carefully selected to ensure they meet my standards as well as your standards. If they're not cute, comfy, and practical, they just won't do.

6| We're a one stop shop

Shop for you and you're little girl all at one place. Plus, we carry accessories - bracelets, boot cuffs, and boot socks! And don't forget about our gift certificates, which are available in many different increments.

7| You won't break the bank

We keep our products affordable so if you have a tight budget or want to purchase one of everything, we can accommodate you!

8| You can shop in the comfort of your living room (or a girlfriends)

The beauty of a shoe party is we bring the shoe store to you!

9| You can earn shoes for FREE and 1/2 off

Who doesn't love free stuff?!

10| Our products are unique

You likely won't find our brands in stores or on many other ladies feet. We only order a small amount of each style to keep our product line fresh.

11| We support small business too

The accessories we sell come from small businesses, so when you purchase them from us, you are helping those businesses grow as well.

I've been doing a lot of thinking of how we can serve you better (maybe entertain you at the same time!) and through my research, it always came back to one common denominator - BLOGGING! Our blog has always been a feature on our website but consistent blogging and relevant topics was something that I have always struggled with. I've watched webinars, listened to podcasts, and done my research so now I'm ready to rock this blogging business!

Check back each Wednesday where I will cover a new topic. If you have a topic you'd like me to cover or have a question you'd like answered, share it in the comments section below! I'd really love to hear from you!

In the meantime, follow us on Bloglovin'! There, you'll be able to see each time we post a new blog, plus you'll be able to discover other awesome blogs.

Let’s be honest - being a girl is no walk in the park. Being a teenage girl - that’s just plain tough. When I was a pre-teen/ teenager, I remember constantly being worried about what people thought of me; I always felt like I was being judged and talked about. I was worried about school and the pressures of getting good grades. I never felt pretty enough, good enough, or valued.

Unfortunately this is a reality for so many young girls. There are daily pressures to succeed and be the “norm”. We’re told if we don’t look a certain way, act a certain way, play a certain sport, or be in a certain clique, we have no worth and have every right to be bullied.

Shattered confidence, destroyed self-worth, low self-esteem, lack of hope and faith is the result of the ridicule we endure. And it’s not right; no one deserves to feel like this.

But there is hope.

I have become involved with a new initiative to Saskatoon, Mirror Mirror YXE, that will change lives. The goal of Mirror Mirror YXE is promote mental health and wellness by providing education and tools to young girls so they can gain freedom, resilience, and confidence. We hope to combat low self-esteem before the girls become involved with negative behaviours associated with it, such as anxiety and depression.

The Mirror Mirror project is based on Australian model and speaker, Dianne Wilson’s book Mirror Mirror, that offers stories of inspiration, keys to freedom, and most importantly HOPE.

Mirror Mirror YXE is hosting a free community event on March 2nd at Elim Church and YOU ARE INVITED! This event is geared towards girls aged 10-18 but any woman is welcome to attend! Invite your daughters, sisters, nieces, granddaughters, neighbours, and friends! The event will feature spoken word and musical performances, as well as multimedia presentations - it's going to be amazing!

Girls aged 10-18 who register for the community event will be gifted Dianne Wilson’s Mirror Mirror book and have the opportunity to sign up for a six week follow up course. Some of the topics that will be covered in the followup course include celebrating uniqueness, freedom from envy and jealousy, body discontentment, and so much more! It's going to be incredible ladies!

Us girls need to be reminded of truths - we are UNIQUE; we are WORTHY; we are LOVED; we are BEAUTIFUL. We need to be comfortable with being our true, authentic selves, just like we were created to be.

I invite you to share this event with the girls and women in your life. I am so excited for it and really believe God is going to do great things and touch the hearts of many girls and women.

It’s hard to believe that Pretty Little Shoes came into existence one short year ago today. Owning my own company was something I knew I had wanted but also thought it was a far and distant dream; and never did I think I would own a shoe company. But God works in mysterious ways and I'm so glad He brought this opportunity into my life.

During my first year in business has proved to have many highs and lows, learning curves, challenges, blessings, and growth. I met hundreds of customers, new friends, and business people; sold thousands of pairs of shoes; increased our social media following (be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram); had tens of thousands of website visitors; expanded our product line; and partnered with local and international charities to help spread a little bit of love and hope in this world.

It’s very heartwarming to see how far we have come in the last year. It’s even more heartwarming to reflect on how Pretty Little Shoes has impacted our customers, friends, and even the world! One of the most humbling things to reflect on from this past year was having customers who were amputees, have physical disabilities and hearing/ visual impairments, and even a sweet little girl who is currently battling cancer. These beauties have so much joy within them and it was such an encouragement meeting them.

On paper, Pretty Little Shoes is technically a one-woman-show. But it would be wrong of me to take all the credit. I owe a huge amount of thanks and gratitude to my family. My sister Brianne is my photography and photoshop extraordinaire. She puts up with my constant questions, takes photos for me, and edits them for free out of the goodness of her heart. My brother Ryan loaned his muscles when I got my very first {yet incredibly large} stock order. My dad - he has loaned me his muscles, his truck, trailer, and heart over the last year. Sometimes his willingness drives me crazy but he’s just being my dad. My mom has been my shoulder to cry on, my idea-bouncer-offer, and my right hand woman. I can’t thank her enough for all she has done for me. To my aunts, cousins, and friends who have helped me out throughout the year, asked how business was, helped me out at events, or offered encouragement - I love you all so much and am so grateful for you!

I also owe a huge amount of gratitude to Kim Moss. Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Kim - she was the owner of Head Over Heels Shoe Company, which I took over for. A year has past and I still text, email, and meet up with her to answer questions. Over the last year, she has also become a sweet friend and mentor and I am so glad I have her in my life.

Lastly, I have YOU to thank! Whether you are a follower, friend, customer, hostess, or just stumbled across our website, I appreciate you taking the time to support my small, local business. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have had an incredible first year in business. Loyalty from customers and hostesses is something that I thrive on so thank-you for coming back, whether you were a Head Over Heels customer/ hostess or a customer/ hostess I have had the pleasure of meeting throughout the year.

Oh friends! I’m so looking forward to 2017. This coming year is going to be full of growth and expansion (hint, hint!). My commitment to you is continue to provide the best shoe shopping experience possible - a positive place where you can come purchase shoes, host parties, and receive top notch customer service. I ask that you please continue to refer your friends and family to Pretty Little Shoes - referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive.

Thank-you again for an incredible year! Here's to an even better year ahead. :)

Enjoy these never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes photos from the past year. <3

Just after I picked up my first order (I had no idea what I got myself into!) // My brother playing with all the boxes // Our front room was FULL

OK, it's not quite Black Friday yet but I couldn't wait until tomorrow to share with you our amazing sale! I don't live in the US but just the thought of the Black Friday craze in stores gives me some serious anxiety. You too?!

I love online shopping! After I finish writing this post, I will be heading over to the online stores and shops I have caught my eye in the past. I mean, who doesn't love a great deal?!

I'm so happy to say that the Pretty Little Shoes BLACK FRIDAY sale is now live!!! We have so many great and gorgeous items that are over 65% off! I'm talking $10-$15 sandals, $20 wedges, $15 flats, and our entire clearance section is $15!!! Amazing, right?! 💛

Start shopping now!! Items are sure to sell out. Shop our online store, www.prettylittleshoesonline.com to place your order, or send us a message to schedule a time to come try on. Sale ends Sunday at 10:00pm.

Thank-you so much for your continued support! I truly hope you are able to find some items, whether on sale or regular price that you love. 💛

Happy shopping!

xo

Baillie

*No holds without payment; All Black Friday sale and clearance items are final sale.*

I feel if I didn't share the recipe for my super delicious and healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe it would be a crime, because my friends, it is honestly THAT GOOD! The best part is that it only has three ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to make! Say goodbye to the overpriced, sugar-filled, high calorie, unhealthy Starbucks PSL that comes out once a year for two months and hello to this amazingness!

Pumpkin is one of those foods that feels so homey and warm. It is filled with antioxidants including, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as many minerals including potassium, phosphorus, copper, and calcium. Another amazing thing about pumpkin is that is has very few calories!

This is so good I eat it by the spoonful!

I do have two ways of making this pumpkin spice latte - the first way (and the way I make it 4/5 times) is by using canned pumpkin pie mix. The second way of making it is using either fresh or canned pumpkin then adding all the yummy spices to it afterwords. You can see how to make it that way here.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Snap a photo of you making my version of the PSL and post it on Instagram and hashtag #PLShoesRecipe. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Directions:

Blend the pumpkin pie mix, almond milk, and coffee (if desired) in a blender until smooth. In a saucepan, pour in mixed pumpkin and milk. Sprinkle in cinnamon. Stir occasionally. When latte begins to boil, froths, and is at desired temperature, remove from heat, pour into a cup, and ENJOY!

The finale of this show is always bittersweet - excited to see who the lead chooses but sad because what the heck are we going to do Monday nights?! I don't know about you but Dancing With the Stars just doesn't cut it for me. ;)

JoJo's family (actually her brothers) seemed normal this time around (remember last season when they accused Ben of brainwashing the women?). And where did JoJo's sister come from (and does she have a voice)?! I thought she was actually one of JoJo's nieces because she looked so much like one of JoJo's brothers. :)

I think both guys did so good meeting JoJo's family though. The fam asked some tough questions that would've had me shaking in my boots. Not only when he met JoJo's family but throughout this whole episode, Jordan seemed real and almost appeared to have a nervousness that can across as real. Although he never asked JoJo's parent's for her hand in marriage during their day together, I don't think he ever would have proposed without asking someway, somehow.

Robby wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn't hold anything back, including when he met JoJo's family. How respectful was it getting not only her dad's permission to propose but bringing her mom into the conversation as well?! Kudos to him! Also, hearing his "plan" for his and JoJo's life together was so great! One really great thing about Robby is that he never wavered with how he felt about JoJo; and other than the hiccup during his hometown date, their relationship appeared to be so strong.

I'm not going to analyze the rest of the episode because we all know how it ends, but I will say that I think that all season it was clear who JoJo was going to choose Jordan. She gave him the first impression rose, she always pushed Jordan and asked him the really tough questions, and throughout the season, she was very protective of him.

Watching proposals on this show always gives me the chills. Whether or not they last, they represent something so special. With that being said, I hope JoJo and Jordan do end up having that "forever love" she was looking for. <3

Until we get to watch Luke on The Bachelor (still crossing my fingers for that one ;)), enjoy Bachelor in Paradise!

xo Baillie

P.S. I literally was obsessed with all of JoJo's fashion choices this season but especially her proposal gown. It is seriously stunning!

Where did Santa Clause, I mean Nick, come from?! He told Alex basically everything I was thinking this entire season. What I didn't realize was the amount of animosity there was between Alex and Derek. I guess there was other drama they had to focus on this season.

Ok, let's talk Chad. The only thing I think I have ever agreed with was his comment about people going on the show to move their careers forward (Alex = model; James Taylor = singer; Wells = radio host). But is there anything wrong with that? So many people have went on the show, including, James Taylor and Wells, with what I believe are pure intentions, and yes, if the show helps move their career forward SO BE IT! He's a real estate agent. Does he not think he is going to get more business from being on the show?

Chad is really one of a kind. I think him dating not one, but TWO other cast members ex-girlfriends shows what kind of person he is - that is a really shallow thing to do. His need to resort to violence is terrifying. His threats are empty (afterall, he was going to hunt Jordan down after the show and bring him "candy"). Saying he has dirt on James Taylor and Wells is cowardly. JoJo was right about him just wanting attention - he doesn't deserve it.

For being such a little guy, Wells seems to be one of the most well respected men this season. He is the one person who didn't have a problem with calling Chad on his crap. All season, including during The Men Tell All, Chad listened to what he had to say and never challenged or threatened Wells (that we saw at least). Like Wells said, it was unfortunate that the Chad drama got some much airtime that we didn't get to know a lot of the guys but hey, it wouldn't be reality TV if there wasn't any drama, right?! ;)

"Sometimes you choose apples when you should've chose pickles." I have no idea what this means but I think I may have to add it to my vocab, haha! Thanks for that Chad! :p

Uggghhhhh, Luke! Such a well spoken gentleman. For him to say that it's ok for him to experience the pain and heartbreak he had in order for JoJo to find love and happiness was so kind. He is also very articulate and understands that it kind of was his fault as to why he didn't get a rose. Wouldn't he make such a GREAT Bachelor?! I feel like they already have been setting him up to be the next Bachelor - they never showed him being involved in the drama throughout the season, he didn't go to Paradise, he has the right demeanor, and everyone loves him! #lukeforbachelor

Chase really impressed me during The Men Tell All. He seemed so deep and in tune with his feelings. Hearing that he ultimately didn't regret telling JoJo that he loved her was a great thing to hear. Having regrets is never a good thing, especially when you are putting yourself in such a vulnerable position, such as being on a show that 10 million people watch per week.

JoJo had to answer some tough questions from the guys but she really knocked it out of the park. And the way she handled Chad and his ridiculously inappropriate comments about Robby and Jordan was a serious mic-drop moment! You go girl!

Phew! I didn't think I had that many thoughts about The Men Tell All! ;) Next week is the finale and the premiere of Bachelor in Paradise (thank-you preview for giving away one of the engagements - did you catch who it is?), which is sure to not disappoint!

I had a glimmer of hope after last week's cliffhanger that Luke would make it another week, but alas, JoJo stuck to initial plan and sent him home. :( Poor, sweet, sweet Luke. That was one serious look of shock/ disbelief/ heartbreak he had the entire time after she called Chase's name at the rose ceremony. Watching it back, my heart breaks more and more for him. He was completely blind-sided; and then for him to apologize to JoJo just shows what a true gentleman he is. Rooting for him to be the next Bachelor.

I feel like we really don't know Robby. Did he get any airtime before episode five this season? I think that's why I'm not #teamrobby. He was the first one to profess his love (back in episode five) and he seems like a sweet guy but all this ex-girlfriend drama is throwing me off. I have a hard time reading him. He must be a sweet guy and have some depth to him considering he has made it this far. I will say one thing I appreciate Robby - he calls JoJo Joelle. There is just something endearing about that.

There have been some really awesome dates this season and Jordan and JoJo's date didn't disappoint. The hike looked like so much fun and finding the cave and temple was so sacred and spiritual. Their convo in the temple about meeting JoJo's family and what they hope would come out of that time seemed very real. It was one of the first times this season I felt like Jordan was being himself and sincere.

For Jordan to be unable to answer the question, "where do you see yourself in a year" would be a huge red flag. Shouldn't he have a foundation and a clear picture of what he would want his life to look like if he was the one JoJo picked? Hmmmmm...

Also, did anyone else notice that Jordan was the only one who didn't pull JoJo's chair out for her at supper? That's my 'odd observation' of the episode. ;)

Chase was so playful the first 1/2 of the date! It was refreshing to see some comedy after Luke's dreadful exit (yes, I'm STILL reeling over it!).

JoJo has gotten a lot of flack for giving Chase the Fantasy Suite card, then taking it back. But why? Why would she spend the night with Chase if she knew that she would never get to the same place that she is already with with Jordan and Robby? That is only given Chase false hope. Yes, it was bad timing that she came to the realization that Chase wasn't the one right after he told her I love you (something so hard for him to say) but it's also JoJo's journey and she had to stick with her heart.

Chase "coming back from the dead", as Robby calls it, I think may have been his stint to redeem himself and get back into the running to be the next Bachelor. What are your thoughts? I don't think he needed to do this - his reaction to JoJo sending him home, in my opinion, was completely legitimized as to how he was feeling. But we all know Luke is going to be the next Bachelor, right?! ;)

The Men Tell All is next and can you believe that next week is the finale already?! Who is JoJo going to pick???

I know we deal with copious amounts of snow during our Saskatchewanian winters but Colorado simply looks stunning! The mountains and snow covered trees in the background looked amazing!

I have been a fan a Chase since his first one-on-one so I was excited to see him really in his element. This is a slightly silly observation but I love how his house was "normal". By normal I mean not a mansion like we normally see on the show (*cough* JoJo, Jordan, etc *cough*) and wasn't in "perfect" condition (see below).

Chase had really deep convos with dad, mom, and sister and you could tell they really touched his heart. But I felt like the basis of his hometown was his parent's divorce. I don't understand why we are just hearing about how this has affected him until now? Maybe this is one of those situations that is victim of editing but it made his hometown slightly boring.

Onto Jordan's hometown - Chico, California! Chico must be a boring little town if he had to bring her to his highschool for their date. ;)

The whole Aaron disowning his family situation is very intriguing to me. Is anyone else really wondering what happened? It must've been something really bad if no one wants to talk about it. I find it concerning that Jordan won't elaborate on the situation to JoJo. If he's the one she chooses, that seems like something she should know all about. Maybe he's just waiting until the Fantasy Suite Date next week to tell her off camera.

I think JoJo is going to loose Jordan if she keeps questioning him. I get that she is scared of being hurt but he seems to get more and more irritated the more she questions him.

Robby planned such a fantastic hometown date! The carriage ride through the beautiful city of St. Augustine was very romantic!

There was a lot of discussion about exes on this date. Do you believe Robby when he says that he has moved on from his last relationship? How about the accusations that he broke up with his girlfriend to be on The Bachelorette? I think because his mom had told him about the accusations and his reaction to her telling him made it seem like the ex girlfriends roommate was trying to start trouble. I can't imagine during a breakup he would just say, "honey, I'm throwing this four year relationship away and dumping you to go on some dating show, so bye". It just doesn't seem logical to me.

Sweet, sweet Luke. Now THAT is a hometown date! It has always bugged me how, during hometowns, within The Bachelor franchise it only includes meeting immediate family. Although it was nerve-wracking for JoJo, she got to see him 100% in his element and got to meet so many people who helped shape who he is. I also have to mention how incredibly sweet and wise Luke's dad is. He seems like such a great man!

Luke and his surprises. The party, then the horse ride through the pasture, and finally the candlelight walk to the flower petal heart. <3 Amazing!

I was SHOCKED when JoJo said that she was planning on sending Luke home. WHAT?!?!?! I was thinking Chase would be sent home, maybe Robby, but certainly not Luke. After reading JoJo's blog and rewatching the episode, I can see that she was "off" during the latter part of the date. But I don't understand why she didn't tell him her doubts during their time together in Texas.

That has got to be the most dramatic cliffhanger in Bachelorette history! Will JoJo change her mind and send someone else home? Will she still send Luke home?

Next week is another double header! Regular episode is on Monday and Men-Tell-All is Tuesday!! Yeah baby!

After a dreadful one week hiatus, The Bachelorette is back and started out with Alex being sent home!!! I mean, could the episode have started off on a better note?! Their road trip seemed so awkward - Alex was feeling it but you could tell JoJo wasn't. They didn't kiss when they first greeted one another then JoJo wouldn't even Pringle kiss him...ummm, ouch! Then they got to spoon the horse (hey, it's the professional goucha's words, not mine;)) and that was just as awkward. Those two just didn't have any chemistry.

Alex telling JoJo that he was in love with her was cringe worthy. He initially said, "I think I'm falling in love with you", then corrects himself and says, "I know I'm falling in love with you". To me, he just said that to further advance himself in the "competition" and I really appreciate JoJo's completely legit concerns about what she said in response to him. She has such a graceful and real way to breakup with guys and she handled Alex's feistiness perfectly. Bye Alex!!

All I could think of during Jordan and JoJo's grape squashing date is that I hope Jordan picked the toe jam out of his feet, haha! I have really doubted Jordan's intentions throughout this season - I talked about it in last week's recap. But by far, JoJo and Jordan have the most chemistry. The way she looks and smiles at him reminds me of a giddy school girl in love. We haven't seen Jordan open up a lot this season until this episode but in this episode he certainly did. I still have my doubts about him but he earned a few points in my book this week.

Robby (looking out the window at the pouring rain): "Man, it's a little different than yesterday."

Jordan: "Yeah, how does that affect the possibilities of today?"

Robby: "I'm going have my boots on."

Did everyone else catch that exchange? I laughed so hard! :p

I'm glad they were rained out! The stay-cation date was awesome! Stuffing french fries in James' mouth, truth or dare, group massages, and bedtime snuggles provided some great entertainment.

The convos we got to see with the guys on the group date seemed really deep. I was trying to guess who JoJo was going to give the group date rose to but I really had no idea. There is something sketchy about Robby that I think we'll get to see next week but for now, he deserved that rose just as much as the other two guys. Although it was really depressing seeing how defeated Chase and James Taylor were when they didn't receive it.

LUKE! Have I mentioned how much I love him?! He was so in his element on this date and it was HOT! Watching him handle the horses and teaching JoJo skeet shoot melted my heart! Your's too?! I was just disappointed that their date only had about 10 minutes airtime. :(

JoJo sending Mr. James Taylor home was heartbreaking. We all know they didn't have chemistry but he was such a kind, genuine guy that it's hard seeing him leave. His exit was one of the most real and sincere exits we have seen in a really long time. She cried. He cried. The whole world cried. :(

Next week is hometowns and it's going to be dramatic. Check out these tweets from Bachelor franchise creator Mike Fleiss tweeted while they were filming: